After seven days of the most one-sided Test cricket you could witness the first one-day international produced a thriller as James Franklin proved New Zealand's hero to secure a one-wicket victory with an unbeaten 47.

Chasing an undemanding 208 the game had appeared to have gone when they were eight down still needing 69, but Kyle Mills helped add 47 for the ninth wicket before Mitchell McClenaghan survived six deliveries to allow Franklin to pick off the remaining 22 runs.

Until the final moments it always felt as though South Africa had their noses in front and there was a chance for them to win the match when Franklin, taking a risk in Dale Steyn's final over, edged just wide of Quinton de Kock, the debutant keeper, who went with two hands when one might have given him a better chance.

Franklin managed to keep the strike to face Ryan McLaren, another who had an impressive match, and ramped a short ball brilliantly over the keeper before carving the winning boundary through the off side. There was plenty of emotion in New Zealand's celebrations.

It was a game low on batting quality but high on tension in the closing stages. The required rate was never out of hand for New Zealand, which enabled Franklin and Mills to just take whatever runs were on offer and protect their wickets. When McLaren took out three middle-order wickets he seemed to have decided the match but Mills showed up some of the top-order batting and Franklin offered a riposte to those who feel he should not be playing.

McLaren's fourth, to give him a career-best haul to follow his useful 33 with the bat, swung the game back South Africa's way but McClenaghan kept his cool and kept in line to ensure his figures of 4 for 20, the best by a New Zealand bowler on ODI debut, contributed to a victory rather than a consolation.

That had not appeared likely after another stuttering display from the top order. Martin Guptill was run out without facing after AB de Villiers, having passed away the keeping gloves, swooped at cover. Lonwabo Tsotsobe struck twice, having Rob Nicol taken at slip and Kane Williamson at point to leave New Zealand 21 for 3. A familiar collapse was on the cards.

BJ Watling and Brendon McCullum gave the innings some foundation with a stand of 52 before another slip. Rory Kleinveldt trapped McCullum lbw in curious fashion; a power outage had struck the ground which meant no DRS was available and McCullum had wanted to review the decision. Kleinveldt, another of the debutants in the game, claimed a second when Grant Elliott flashed to slip to hand Graeme Smith his 100th ODI catch.

When McLaren struck twice in three balls - Watling dragging on and Jimmy Neesham lbw - New Zealand were 105 for 7 but Nathan McCullum offered hope with a punchy innings and that mood was carried forward. South Africa will reflect that they were not at their best, conceding 15 wides and three no-balls.

Their innings was a curious display, perhaps with a hint of complacency after their dominance in the Tests, with the tone set by Hashim Amla's ugly shot across the line. When de Villiers was lbw to the impressive McClenaghan they were 37 for 3 and forced to rebuild, but each time a partnership started to form New Zealand broke though. McCleanaghan later returned to add two more scalps, including a beauty from round the wicket to take Steyn's off stump.

Williamson was the surprise package with the ball, claiming a career-best 4 for 22 with his part-time offspin after New Zealand filled their side with allrounders. His first three scalps were all set batsmen: Colin Ingram, brilliantly caught off a top-edged sweep, McLaren who probably did not get an edge and the key figure of du Plessis taken at deep midwicket.

Du Plessis and McLaren formed the best stand of the innings, adding 59 for the sixth wicket, which included taking 41 off the Powerplay but South Africa felt a frontline batsman light as they did in the one-day series against England last year. The stand had given them hope of pushing towards 250 but Williamson derailed those ambitions with wickets in consecutive overs, although HotSpot supported McLaren's frustration at his dismissal. That was nothing compared to the frustration he felt a few hours later.

I've always believed that Franklin had the ability to be a top player. But he seems to have this blasé attitude towards the game at times.

Ironically it was that relaxed approach that probably won us the game last night.

On paper James Franklin clearly has all the makings of a world class allrounder. At 6ft 5" he's got power, he's experienced, never seems to be injured and is decent in the field.

As a batsmen he has never lived up to his potential but he's scored 14 first class centuries and a test ton in Cape Town. In a New Zealand context he's easily good enough to bat at 6-7 in tests.

As a bowler, he often appears to be just amble in, bowling at about 125-130kph. If the balls not swinging there's no edge to Franklin's bowling.

Yet on good days I've seen Franklin's speed up around 140-145kph, with good bounce and swing. Would be great to see him backing himself a bit more, running in hard and being more aggressive.

Well played today…. now unleash the beast, Jimmy!

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | January 19, 2013, 20:24 GMT

Congratulations New Zealand! I am happy to see you all win indeed. This just shows how useful are the shorter formats for the not so great teams. I hope NZ can win the ODI series. Fault with them is their inability to repeat this heroics consistently. Cricket needs NZ also as it is ideally great to see all 10 test playing nations being at par level. Then we can avoid seeing lopsided contests.

I hope NZ can make use of the upcoming England series at home to rebuild the test team. Anyway, the shorter formats are not South Africa's main strength as shown by their record in ICC events. South Africa's strength is test cricket and no wonder they have not lost an away test series since losing to Sri Lanka 2-0 in 2006.

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | January 21, 2013, 16:25 GMT

@Harmony111, yes I agree. All 3 formats are important. But to be called great cricketer, test cricket is the way to achieve that label. T20 cricket is for the slogger. Cricket is a game where you need to be tested a lot over a longer period. Of course the shorter format is also essential regardless. After all, a T20 or ODI specialist will never be in the all time greats. Looking at the last 20 years, fellows like Bevan being ODI specialist are forgotten. Even Malinga too will be forgotten once he retires.

It is upto the ICC to ensure that all 10 countries play a fair amount of all 3 formats in a given year.

A player who can excel in all 3 formats is a genius. But I feel Gayle and Warner are still 50-50 and can be inconsistent. If Kohli can excel in tests, he will be a genius. So far Kohli has excelled in ODIs and T20s. Sanath Jayasuriya too could have excelled in all 3 formats but he had his day and turned out to be inconsistent as his average shows.

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | January 21, 2013, 15:45 GMT

@Soso_killer, I agree. But well one thing I have to remind you is that South Africa's ODI record against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka is forgetful. They have only won just one ODI and that too in 1993. In the 2000 and 2004 tours, you all failed to win a single ODI against us. In the 2006 tour, only tests were possible. Well I am sure this team is better than the teams which came to Sri Lanka before so we will find it tough.

But one thing. Last year, when we came to SA we could have won the 3rd as rain hampered our hopes a lot if you recall the Blomfontein game.

POSTED BY
LestatdeLioncourt
on | January 20, 2013, 23:57 GMT

@ Min2000 - I think you are a bit misinformed re Jimmy Franklin. He is actually on the comeback from a serious knee injury (not the first time either). He will never bowl fast again (I don't think he ever bowled 145K tho) as he can't plant the foot anymore and just sort of runs through the crease. Hence he is considered a batting allrounder now.

@ Neuen - Because SA are ranked number 1 and NZ number 9?? Also missing 4 of their best players?

POSTED BY
nickcarter
on | January 20, 2013, 23:13 GMT

Well done franklin you have shown while u are a t20 odi player . Was unfair for u to be thrown into the test squad . But uv proven ur worth keep it up

POSTED BY
sirviv
on | January 20, 2013, 17:56 GMT

Oh Franklin. You know you have it in you. Keep going and take your team home with
(at least) the odi trophy

POSTED BY
Harmony111
on | January 20, 2013, 15:20 GMT

@Sinhaya: Ofc the 3 formats of the game are different but equally imp. When Gayle or Warner hit 18 runs in an over it requires skill not some luck and neither is this skill some inferior skill. It is power, timing and clean mindset. When Malinga bowls his yorkers into the stumps it requires skill and not luck and this skill too is special. It comes from practice and confidence.

An Engg does not say that the medical profession is inferior. A tax consultant does not say that policing is an inferior job. They all know that the other things are different. More imp, an Engg knows he is good as an Engg and did not have the req skills to become a doctor or even a medical attendant. It is about identifying what you have and what you don't.

Those who say Tests are the Only/Real/Superior format must also admit that they do not have the skills to play ODIs/T20s. But they chose to call them inferior as if its beneath their dignity to play ODIs/T20s --- Yet they play it, never win or get 74 a.o.

POSTED BY
bearface
on | January 20, 2013, 14:20 GMT

Well done NewZealand i'm happy to see NZ pull off a win here SA is a very strong ODI side but simply screw up when it matters hence the tag chokers.

POSTED BY
Neuen
on | January 20, 2013, 11:11 GMT

Amla opening Ingram at 3 no Kallis no Morkel, a transformation bowler conceding 6 a over I do not see how this is a unlikely victory?

POSTED BY
Min2000
on | January 20, 2013, 2:52 GMT

I've always believed that Franklin had the ability to be a top player. But he seems to have this blasé attitude towards the game at times.

Ironically it was that relaxed approach that probably won us the game last night.

On paper James Franklin clearly has all the makings of a world class allrounder. At 6ft 5" he's got power, he's experienced, never seems to be injured and is decent in the field.

As a batsmen he has never lived up to his potential but he's scored 14 first class centuries and a test ton in Cape Town. In a New Zealand context he's easily good enough to bat at 6-7 in tests.

As a bowler, he often appears to be just amble in, bowling at about 125-130kph. If the balls not swinging there's no edge to Franklin's bowling.

Yet on good days I've seen Franklin's speed up around 140-145kph, with good bounce and swing. Would be great to see him backing himself a bit more, running in hard and being more aggressive.

Well played today…. now unleash the beast, Jimmy!

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | January 19, 2013, 20:24 GMT

Congratulations New Zealand! I am happy to see you all win indeed. This just shows how useful are the shorter formats for the not so great teams. I hope NZ can win the ODI series. Fault with them is their inability to repeat this heroics consistently. Cricket needs NZ also as it is ideally great to see all 10 test playing nations being at par level. Then we can avoid seeing lopsided contests.

I hope NZ can make use of the upcoming England series at home to rebuild the test team. Anyway, the shorter formats are not South Africa's main strength as shown by their record in ICC events. South Africa's strength is test cricket and no wonder they have not lost an away test series since losing to Sri Lanka 2-0 in 2006.

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | January 21, 2013, 16:25 GMT

@Harmony111, yes I agree. All 3 formats are important. But to be called great cricketer, test cricket is the way to achieve that label. T20 cricket is for the slogger. Cricket is a game where you need to be tested a lot over a longer period. Of course the shorter format is also essential regardless. After all, a T20 or ODI specialist will never be in the all time greats. Looking at the last 20 years, fellows like Bevan being ODI specialist are forgotten. Even Malinga too will be forgotten once he retires.

It is upto the ICC to ensure that all 10 countries play a fair amount of all 3 formats in a given year.

A player who can excel in all 3 formats is a genius. But I feel Gayle and Warner are still 50-50 and can be inconsistent. If Kohli can excel in tests, he will be a genius. So far Kohli has excelled in ODIs and T20s. Sanath Jayasuriya too could have excelled in all 3 formats but he had his day and turned out to be inconsistent as his average shows.

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | January 21, 2013, 15:45 GMT

@Soso_killer, I agree. But well one thing I have to remind you is that South Africa's ODI record against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka is forgetful. They have only won just one ODI and that too in 1993. In the 2000 and 2004 tours, you all failed to win a single ODI against us. In the 2006 tour, only tests were possible. Well I am sure this team is better than the teams which came to Sri Lanka before so we will find it tough.

But one thing. Last year, when we came to SA we could have won the 3rd as rain hampered our hopes a lot if you recall the Blomfontein game.

POSTED BY
LestatdeLioncourt
on | January 20, 2013, 23:57 GMT

@ Min2000 - I think you are a bit misinformed re Jimmy Franklin. He is actually on the comeback from a serious knee injury (not the first time either). He will never bowl fast again (I don't think he ever bowled 145K tho) as he can't plant the foot anymore and just sort of runs through the crease. Hence he is considered a batting allrounder now.

@ Neuen - Because SA are ranked number 1 and NZ number 9?? Also missing 4 of their best players?

POSTED BY
nickcarter
on | January 20, 2013, 23:13 GMT

Well done franklin you have shown while u are a t20 odi player . Was unfair for u to be thrown into the test squad . But uv proven ur worth keep it up

POSTED BY
sirviv
on | January 20, 2013, 17:56 GMT

Oh Franklin. You know you have it in you. Keep going and take your team home with
(at least) the odi trophy

POSTED BY
Harmony111
on | January 20, 2013, 15:20 GMT

@Sinhaya: Ofc the 3 formats of the game are different but equally imp. When Gayle or Warner hit 18 runs in an over it requires skill not some luck and neither is this skill some inferior skill. It is power, timing and clean mindset. When Malinga bowls his yorkers into the stumps it requires skill and not luck and this skill too is special. It comes from practice and confidence.

An Engg does not say that the medical profession is inferior. A tax consultant does not say that policing is an inferior job. They all know that the other things are different. More imp, an Engg knows he is good as an Engg and did not have the req skills to become a doctor or even a medical attendant. It is about identifying what you have and what you don't.

Those who say Tests are the Only/Real/Superior format must also admit that they do not have the skills to play ODIs/T20s. But they chose to call them inferior as if its beneath their dignity to play ODIs/T20s --- Yet they play it, never win or get 74 a.o.

POSTED BY
bearface
on | January 20, 2013, 14:20 GMT

Well done NewZealand i'm happy to see NZ pull off a win here SA is a very strong ODI side but simply screw up when it matters hence the tag chokers.

POSTED BY
Neuen
on | January 20, 2013, 11:11 GMT

Amla opening Ingram at 3 no Kallis no Morkel, a transformation bowler conceding 6 a over I do not see how this is a unlikely victory?

Rankings are calculated on the basis of matches a team plays over a certain time window. Assume it is 104 weeks & suppose current points are from Feb 2011 1st week to to Jan 2013 1st Week. As times passes, this window's beginning slides from Feb 2011 1st week to Feb 2011 2nd week. Thus matches played in Feb 2011 1st week go out and are not considered any more while the new matches played in Jan 2013 2nd week enter the equation.

Net result? All teams lose the points earned in Feb 2011 1st Week. Now they have to compensate for this by 1stly playing matches in Jan 2013 2nd Week & 2ndly winning them. Eng played a match but lost it, SA played a match but lost it. For them the loss was double cos not only did they lose x points earned in Feb 2011 1st Week but also cudn't win the new y points they cud've earned in Jan 2013 2nd Week.

Keep in mind that Rating is calculated by Points Earned/Matches played. You play 1 more match but lose it - your RATING goes even further.

POSTED BY
Tayloruss
on | January 20, 2013, 9:03 GMT

Can someone please explain to me how England can get destroyed by India, yet somehow move up a spot in the rankings? And if there is such a massive gap between south Africa & new Zealand that south Africa lose 4 ratings points for losing 1 game, then why did new Zealand not gain any?

POSTED BY
Soso_killer
on | January 20, 2013, 8:42 GMT

@imakk can you tell me where you get your stats?
England and Australia better players of spin than SA? LOL, nice one.

POSTED BY
Soso_killer
on | January 20, 2013, 8:34 GMT

@sinhaya sorry mate but SA are strong in ODI's as well. Thats why we are called chokers after all.

Since readmission SA has the best win-loss ratio in ODI's bar Australia. Infact SA had a 50% win record against Australia at the peak of their powers. No other side came close (England even lost 13 ODI's in a row against them).

Only 2 teams have won an ODI's series in SA, Australia and England (once due to rain).
The same applies to Test Matches.
No wonder England have been stealing our players as they have lost against every1 in their home conditions. If you cant beat them join 'em

POSTED BY
Tal_Botvinnik
on | January 20, 2013, 8:19 GMT

The New Zealand side produces a lot of Left arm quicks (Mc,Tent,Franklin,ELlis..) and B'desh(al-hasan,sunny..) side produce a lot of Left Arm spinners and AUS produces a lot of Right Arm Quicks(cutting,cummins,pattinson..) and SL Produces a lot of weird Bowlers (Malinga,murali,mendis...)

POSTED BY
Harmony111
on | January 20, 2013, 8:18 GMT

@ OzWally: It is clear you failed to get it. It is not about apples or oranges or guavas either. It is about recognizing the variations of a game.

Suppose someone says he thinks tennis played on grass court is the only tennis or the best tennis and that tennis played on the slow clay courts is not real tennis or is inferior tennis. What would you say to it?

There have been many players who have excelled on one court but been poor on other courts. How does the world see them? - As limited players. Thomas Muster, Sergie Brugerira for eg. Even Sampras is seen as limited on clay (though his immense grass record gives him more +s).

How do you feel which is superior cricket? For Eng/Aus opportunistically. When they got good teams in ODIs they say they love them all, when they've poor teams they say Tests are the best. We did not hear this Test-Only love from Aus from 99-07.

Some say not just tests but only tests played in Eng/Oz/SA are REAL cricket - duh.

POSTED BY
batman_gothamcity
on | January 20, 2013, 7:43 GMT

Congrats to the Black caps , good fighting victory , Franklin is much underrated cricketer and he always is a potential match winner especially with the bat but a very good bowler to he has done it many times in IPL for Mumbai Indians and T20 cricket . This win may well give NZ a boost to face England at home , the middle order looks good and bowlers except the spin department is decent .

POSTED BY
shortsillypoint
on | January 20, 2013, 7:28 GMT

Anyone else wondered how Franklin and Oram can be so big and strong but bat and bowl like primary kids.While performing to a decent or even outstanding level once in a blue moon they have had the potential to be amongst the world's very top all rounders.

POSTED BY
choppa13
on | January 20, 2013, 6:50 GMT

@ SASANK360- vettori is still getting over an achillies injury, Ryder is not wanting to play international cricket at this time as he is trying to sort himself out mentally before committing himself to the national side as for Rosco he is on a self imposed break as he felt he could not give 100% to the team after the captaincy issue but has made noises making a return for when england arrive, and for what its worth Southee sustained a thumb injury prior to leaving for s.a but should be fit for the test series against england. cheers

POSTED BY
ProteaMan
on | January 20, 2013, 6:41 GMT

Congrats Blackcaps. At least the ODI series set off with a bit more than a hapless New Zealand side who didn't look like rabbits in the spotlight. Come on and give us some more value for money please.

POSTED BY
jaygee02
on | January 20, 2013, 6:19 GMT

@SASANK360 - Vettori is injured, Ryder has been unavailable for personal reasons all year but is playing very well domestically and may be back for the England tour; and Taylor pulled out of the tour after the captaincy debacle, but again should be available to play England

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | January 20, 2013, 5:13 GMT

@OzWally, I am afraid you cant say luck plays a part in the shorter formats. Fact is that even Bangladesh or so can keep performing well for shorter periods. But the longer the game goes, their flaws get exposed.

@Harmony111, interesting to see how SA performs after Kallis quits. Kallis is like 2 players. As for the 3 formats, great thing is that it adds lot of variety to cricket. True that no format is inferior. Like athletics the different races are meant for different types of athletes. In tennis, the top players do well in grand slams as longer the game goes, they can sustain. Federer the maestro has lost quite a lot in non grand slams because he has nicely ensured that by doing so, he minimizes his injury risk and also maintains his rank by appearing in a minimum number of tournaments each year to keep his ranking or risk becoming a wildcard. Federer simply gave his best when it mattered the most which is in a grand slam.

POSTED BY
NP_NY
on | January 20, 2013, 4:13 GMT

Way to go NZ, beating the best team in the world in their own backyard! 'hope this can turn things around four NZ.

POSTED BY
SASANK360
on | January 20, 2013, 3:31 GMT

Congratulations New Zealand. Had NZ lost this game they would have let their bowlers down. Dissappointing to see Williamson fail again. Also NZ really miss Southee's skill on this tour.
I am from India and I find it hard to figure out what happened to Vettori, Ross Taylor and Ryder. Can any NZ fan advise me....

POSTED BY
amilao
on | January 20, 2013, 2:53 GMT

well done new zealand we wish u to win whole ODI series

POSTED BY
sanhan
on | January 20, 2013, 2:47 GMT

Well done, NZ! A number of your players accepted the responsibility to nail this one down. A shocking overall performance by the SA bowlers. School teams bowl better lines and lengths than they do. There is no excuse for their lack of application. I don't mind losing, but this was very amateurish from us.
May the Kiwis hammer even more reality into us in the 2nd ODI if this is what it means to represent SA.

POSTED BY
kunderanengineer
on | January 20, 2013, 2:45 GMT

Boy do I ever feel stupid to have turned the match off when it was 10 for 2 and looking llike another exercise in futility for the Kiwis! That'll teach me!!

POSTED BY
shortsillypoint
on | January 20, 2013, 2:30 GMT

Out of the gloom a sliver of light! As has been mentioned NZ beating SA in a ODI is hardly a surprise. The great man Steyn is not the threat he is in test matches.

Finally someone decided to hand the ball to Kane Williamson - he has more than 50 first class wickets and yet when SA made 500+ but he didn't get one over?

POSTED BY
KiwiRocker-
on | January 20, 2013, 2:01 GMT

I have a sneaky feeling that South Africa may have choked! ( sounds familair). On another related note, Saeed Ajmal sitting in Pakistan might be licking his lips watching K.Williamson taking four wickets. South Africa needs to regroup and do it quickly as they are not going to get the umpiring help as India is doing against England! I still believe us Kiwis are struggling with Ross Taylor and especially Jess Ryder. I saw him playing against Auckland Aces and he looks in prime touch!

POSTED BY
I-Like-Cricket
on | January 20, 2013, 1:27 GMT

Could you imagine if Jesse Ryder was playing? Can't wait to see him back in NZ colours.

POSTED BY
OzWally
on | January 19, 2013, 23:57 GMT

@Harmony111 - I think you are somewhat mixing apples with oranges. In tennis some players are more adept on different surfaces, but ultimately it is the same top level of the game (grand slams being best of 5 sets).

In cricket, with 3 different formats, it depends on which you feel is the superior form of the game to excel. Or how do you rank them 1, 2 and 3. I'd argue Aus, Eng & SA rank test cricket as the ultimate. The other countries, perhaps not.

If a tennis match winner was determined by just 1 tie-break, would the rankings look the same? I think not.

POSTED BY
maf17
on | January 19, 2013, 23:17 GMT

Not often an Aussie would be cheering for Kiwis, but I was up untill the wee hours cheering them home. Terriffic win, and it never hurts to see SA humbled as well. Franklin's innings was one of the gutsiest i've ever seen. On the serious side, it re-affirms that SA, who are a ruthless and awesome force in Tests , are a nervous, tentative outfit in ODI. How do you explain why Steyn, the most feared Test bowler in the world, was treated with contempt by Franklin in the closing overs? It seems like a hangover from their infamous World Cup chokes.

POSTED BY
on | January 19, 2013, 23:05 GMT

@ tententen, Im a kiwi & Franklin is not one of the best alrounders in the world, far from it. He is too inconsistent, although I do believe he has a lot of potential as a batter (useful bowler at times) but has never fulfilled his potential at the International level. McClenaghan should be in the team for all formats hands down, I would also like to see them give Hira a chance aswel. Add Taylor, Ryder, Southee with option of DV and NZ looks pretty decent.

POSTED BY
jerryman
on | January 19, 2013, 23:04 GMT

Did SA choke again.. oh no..

POSTED BY
Jordanious77
on | January 19, 2013, 23:00 GMT

Well done Franklin, finally played a decent innings, now you'll have to do it another 5 times an prove everyone wrong.

Weird fact about Brendan McCullum.
In his last 170 ODI's against SA, Aus, Eng, SL, India, WI and pakistan McCullum averages 27 with 1 century and 11 ducks.

POSTED BY
Glenn10
on | January 19, 2013, 21:42 GMT

A great win that looked unlikely at 105/7.
McClenaghan is the find of the tour and he hits the bat harder than anyone else at the moment. Baffling why he didn't play in the second test ahead of Wagner? There goes those selectors led by Hessen again. After the outing of the Shane Bond letter which proved Hessen lied more than Lance Armstrong, he should have been sacked! (OK, no one lies more than Lance, but you get my point).
The batting was again held together by Watling - but what happens if he fails? Oh thats right - 45 all out. At 9/40 on Friday, I thought Australia might actually beat that score, but darn it, they went on to score a very respectable 74.
We should enjoy this win because SA will come back at us hard in the next two games. You'd still be a very brave man to bet against any team with Amla, Smith, De Villiers and Steyn in it.

POSTED BY
corzaNZ
on | January 19, 2013, 21:24 GMT

Wow. Franklin finally stepped up and produced for NZ, i have to say well done however i am not going to change my view on him being in the team. But saying that with him getting us over the line that has kept his spot for the next 2 years most probably going on how NZC run things

POSTED BY
dinosaurus
on | January 19, 2013, 21:23 GMT

This is not as big an upset as it is made out to be. The record of NZ in the ODI WC over the years is really much better than that of SA. And the complacency for one and all associated with SA has been overwhelming!

POSTED BY
Mitcher
on | January 19, 2013, 21:12 GMT

@Tommytucker: Good to see that even trolls can be magnanimous when their team gets schooled by world croc key's biggest basket case.

POSTED BY
Harmony111
on | January 19, 2013, 20:52 GMT

Although this win of NZ made India #1 today but I wasn't too happy to see SA lose.

Is Kallis injured or simply resting? Without him SA suddenly lose something like 25% of their strength. It is like 8 men vs 11 men in football. But I guess NZ can also say they are without Ross. This win should really please NZ ppl and may help their coach's image too who has been in the news for wrong reasons of late.

The power cuts also did not help. Such things don't look good for the administration though sometimes unforeseen complications happen sometimes.

@OzWally:
If Fedex beats Nadal in Wimbledon but loses to Nadal in French Open it doesn't mean that the winner even though was weakwon due to luck. It only shows that the winner was able to adapt better. Some ppl think that Tests are somehow the best format & ODIs/T20s are inferior. Others think they are just 3 diff formats req diff skills.

Which is HIGHER? 100 m sprint or 10 km endurance race? Both are races after all....but test diff skills.

POSTED BY
CricketingStargazer
on | January 19, 2013, 20:26 GMT

I've been telling you that this guy is very talented. Why cannot James Franklin do it (a) more regularly and (b) when it actually matters in a Test?

POSTED BY
Hurricanesxv
on | January 19, 2013, 20:09 GMT

@OzWally: I think you make an excellent point IMO. Us Kiwis were totally hammered in the tests but are way more competitve at this point in time in the shorter forms of the game...although in 50 over & 20/20 any team can beat any on any given day. Perhaps we are starting to see a gulf in the top 3 or 4 nations in test matches now?

POSTED BY
Soso_killer
on | January 19, 2013, 20:06 GMT

Also can any1 tell me what ever happened to bowling yorkers? I cant remember the last time Steyn bowled a yorker nor do i recall SA attempting to bowl them at the death, why is that?

Bowling line and length at that time is ridiculous, especialy against tail enders.

How can the number 1 bowler in the world not be able to bowl a yorker while a journey man like T. Peraira bowls them and has an ODI hattrick for Sri Lanka *SMH*

POSTED BY
imakk
on | January 19, 2013, 20:01 GMT

however strong SA team !! , they cant play spin bowling as well as no.1 test side should play . The Aussies and English teams better them in this regard .

POSTED BY
Soso_killer
on | January 19, 2013, 19:55 GMT

What rubs me the wrong about SA, is that we either win by 90+ runs or 8-6 wickets, otherwise should push come to shove we lose. Pathetic!

POSTED BY
quittthewhinging
on | January 19, 2013, 19:48 GMT

When you are defending 208 and you give away 31 in extras, you know you are in trouble. How is it possible for players at this level to give away 15 wides?

POSTED BY
tententen
on | January 19, 2013, 19:12 GMT

Franklin is one of the best allrounders in the world mccullum would regret taking him out from 2nd test. lions plan thami as a keeper in CLT20 then why are SA playing decock an a keeper, when he didn't even keep for his domestic side

POSTED BY
on | January 19, 2013, 19:08 GMT

Good job NZ, this was good to read. Keep it up:)

POSTED BY
gsingh7
on | January 19, 2013, 18:54 GMT

well done black caps , love from india, also india displaced sa from top spot by winning big vs england, now india is topdog in odis and sa in tests , in t20 i think india is number 2 , keep up the good work nz

POSTED BY
DeckChairand6pack
on | January 19, 2013, 18:41 GMT

I'm not going to lie, that result ruined my afternoon! Congratulations to the black caps they were deserved winners. Today showed 3 things;
1. There is no place for complacency in international cricket.
2. The better cricket team does not necessarily win, on the day, in a one day game
3. Always keep up your direct debit payments to your power provider.

POSTED BY
hitngiggles123
on | January 19, 2013, 18:28 GMT

maybe sa should just play its test side ??they bowled us out inside 20 overs before ,or am i way off the mark?

POSTED BY
pull_shot
on | January 19, 2013, 18:12 GMT

well done franklin and nz. all d best wishes for rest of the series from india

POSTED BY
OzWally
on | January 19, 2013, 17:58 GMT

If the last 3 days have shown us anything, with wins by NZ, India & SL, it is that one day cricket is the great equalizer.

Although all 3 countries were convincingly trounced in Test series just concluded, the 1 day game (and even more so T20) greatly introduces the element of luck on any given day. Which is great for the weaker teams to build confidence; however, it also provides the stronger teams opportunities to try new players as a prelude to making their Test team even stronger down the line.

A win-win for all, confidence for the weak and a training ground for the strong.

POSTED BY
andrew27994
on | January 19, 2013, 17:48 GMT

@corzaNZ I think he read your comment and got motivated. But can't blame you for criticising these NZ players because they are probably the most unpredictable team in the world.

POSTED BY
yorkslanka
on | January 19, 2013, 17:41 GMT

congrats to the Kiwis on a good win today..franklin did his team proud and carried them over the line..

POSTED BY
priceless1
on | January 19, 2013, 17:28 GMT

so much for the Firdose moonda's miss match :D .well played Black Caps!!

POSTED BY
gibbs.175
on | January 19, 2013, 17:19 GMT

Its clear when DALE STYNE FAILS SA cricket team FAIL....come on DALE ...GOOD LUCK and BEST OF THAT

POSTED BY
balajik1968
on | January 19, 2013, 17:14 GMT

I was alternating this match and the India England match. Really disappointed with the blackout. I switched to other channels when NZ lost their 8th wicket. To see them win was a pleasant surprise. Though SA are deserving No.1, upsets like this keep the interest alive. I just hope this starts something for the Black Caps, they have been pretty disappointing recently.

POSTED BY
gibbs.175
on | January 19, 2013, 17:13 GMT

Very bad....Smith should play down the order in ODI ,otherwise SA board should show the door .....young talent is being wasted because of him...D kock.INgram ,Farhaan are upper order batsman...(SMITH WEAK LINK)

POSTED BY
Wexfordwonder
on | January 19, 2013, 17:11 GMT

The much maligned James Franklin dishes up a win to spice up the tour. Well done to the Black caps and James Franklin in particular. Mevin27, you would do well to not worry too much about the rankings and just enjoy the cricket.

POSTED BY
BravoBravo
on | January 19, 2013, 17:10 GMT

Just GREAT, Franklin You Beauty. Congratulations NZ. Keep the momentum NZ, winning just one game is not enough. NZ win is not surprising for me, if a second tier team like BD and IND can win over SA, certainly NZ could win. For SA, all the Kalliss , Smiths, Morkels and Steyns, I dont see SA ever winning a ODI World Cup.

sssssssssss...SA bowlers always helpless against lower order batsmen ...that is why they could not win a mega event.....

POSTED BY
TommytuckerSaffa
on | January 19, 2013, 16:59 GMT

Well done NZ, against the odds you won the match and shown great fight. I have to say a fairly pathetic batting performance by SA and I still am unsure why Mclaren is in the team, never have been a fan. 1-0 to NZ to kick off the series, this should be make it more of a spectacle.

POSTED BY
Tripswitch
on | January 19, 2013, 16:58 GMT

Well done the Black Caps - deserved victory. Is it just me does Quinton de Kock look like he needs to mature a bit before playing for us at this level?

POSTED BY
kc69
on | January 19, 2013, 16:50 GMT

Well,this is what happens when you don't take a team seriously..well done kiwis..keep fighting...!!!!

POSTED BY
ryaningcricket
on | January 19, 2013, 16:44 GMT

good job NZ, and South Africa needs to stop stealing defeats from the jaws of victory.

POSTED BY
lukecannon
on | January 19, 2013, 16:39 GMT

Well played NZ. Good to see you guys finally win.

POSTED BY
msdhoni123
on | January 19, 2013, 16:33 GMT

thank you n.z.you just gave india so called minnows the number 1 ranking in odi.

POSTED BY
Rukhshan786
on | January 19, 2013, 16:32 GMT

The things is though SA is the #1 team in test cricket, their is no #1 team in ODI's in the present. SA, NZ, IND, PAK, SL, AUS, ENG & even BAN can beat any team in given day. So the series is alive for sure.

POSTED BY
on | January 19, 2013, 16:19 GMT

Great victory New Zealand. This victory proves to me that there no great teams around anymore. South Africa, England, Australia, and India can be weak on any given day. No more dominance in world cricket.

POSTED BY
dimpu303
on | January 19, 2013, 16:19 GMT

Bravo Franko!!! You have done it against all odds....
This would rejuvenate rest of NZ to fire in subsequent matches!!!

POSTED BY
mikriket
on | January 19, 2013, 16:18 GMT

the headline is totally unfair--should be" NZ take sensational victory"

POSTED BY
SurlyCynic
on | January 19, 2013, 16:17 GMT

Well done NZ. SA didn't deserve to win after batting so badly. Have to laugh at the comments here criticising McLaren and Franklin though!

TBH I'm not too bothered about SA losing, the point of this series is to change the team around a bit. In the past SA was good at winning pointless ODI series, but never in the big comps. Now everything should be focused on preparing for champions trophy and I hope to see other players tried too.

POSTED BY
swat1999
on | January 19, 2013, 16:17 GMT

What a game!! This is the best ODI for 2013 so far from my point of view. I just love calmness of Sir James Franklin. Weldone Kiwis

POSTED BY
ramesh_rocks
on | January 19, 2013, 16:16 GMT

Well done NZ..So Franklin and Sir Ravindra Jadeja....two most criticized "all-rounders" in the history of the game....are winning games for their countries!!...Good thing can happen in cricket too :)

POSTED BY
KDLarsen
on | January 19, 2013, 16:14 GMT

And this is why SA will never win the World Cup. Allowing the last 3 wickets to put on more than 100 runs is unforgivable.

POSTED BY
Tal_Botvinnik
on | January 19, 2013, 16:11 GMT

what an epic thriller! Marks 8/10

POSTED BY
Soso_killer
on | January 19, 2013, 15:39 GMT

Mclaren is useless, and yet there are people complaining about Thami Tsolekile. Please remember he averages 50 over the 3 years. I wonder why?

POSTED BY
Soso_killer
on | January 19, 2013, 15:36 GMT

Mclaren is useless, and yet there are people complaining about Thami Tsolekile. Please remember he averages 50 over the 3 years. I wonder why?

POSTED BY
Genaral
on | January 19, 2013, 14:21 GMT

nz need agreat victory here man.B McCullum has to do lots of work.need a big innings from the great one -B McCullum.

POSTED BY
gsingh7
on | January 19, 2013, 13:32 GMT

nz now 64/ 3 , come on nz win today so india will be no 1 in odi rankings tonight as india thrashed england earliar

POSTED BY
Gareth_Bain
on | January 19, 2013, 12:58 GMT

Miller is back playing for KZN Amateur team, as he hasn't performed well enough to keep his place for the Dolphins...

POSTED BY
Rajesh_india_1990
on | January 19, 2013, 12:35 GMT

i mean where is David miller

POSTED BY
Zak-
on | January 19, 2013, 12:30 GMT

@rajesh_india Ingram played today. Miller should be having a look in at some point though, I agree.

209 should be far more than enough with Steyn, Tsotsobe and Kleinveldt bowling though.

POSTED BY
Shaggy076
on | January 19, 2013, 12:24 GMT

New Zealand - struggled to make 200 from 20 wickets in the couple of tests, will be interesting to see how they go here.

POSTED BY
corzaNZ
on | January 19, 2013, 12:08 GMT

Why is Franklin still getting selected!!! Luckiest man in all of world cricket, he has a free ride, and well done Mills, everyone said was to harsh on him... NO, well today showed why his times up he may start well but he gives away far too many runs towards the end, he always has

POSTED BY
Ashish328
on | January 19, 2013, 11:49 GMT

I Think NZ's should be able to chase down the target of 209 which is not big , But in Front of the likes of south african pace attack, Target seems to be 250!! Anyways no better opportunity than this one, Clinch it up Kiwis !!

POSTED BY
ian45
on | January 19, 2013, 11:38 GMT

this track has gone slower and slower, nz wont chase this down, not against steyn and co

POSTED BY
Rajesh_india_1990
on | January 19, 2013, 11:26 GMT

someone please tell me where is collin ingram and David miler

POSTED BY
gsingh7
on | January 19, 2013, 10:43 GMT

where was this nz when u needed him in tests when they were royally thumped by sa, @ lillian/--- it was more interesting seeing nz dismantle like castle of sand in tests , u must have really liked it..

POSTED BY
LillianThomson
on | January 19, 2013, 9:02 GMT

I suspect that a certain Mr Junaid Khan and Mr Mohammad Irfan might just have had their eyes light up when they saw Smith and de Villiers get out lbw to McClenaghan.

The next five weeks have suddenly got a bit more interesting.

POSTED BY
gsingh7
on | January 19, 2013, 8:45 GMT

come on nz , india is winning big time and any nz win will give india top spot in world cricket , make it happen kiwis

POSTED BY
Min2000
on | January 20, 2013, 2:52 GMT

I've always believed that Franklin had the ability to be a top player. But he seems to have this blasé attitude towards the game at times.

Ironically it was that relaxed approach that probably won us the game last night.

On paper James Franklin clearly has all the makings of a world class allrounder. At 6ft 5" he's got power, he's experienced, never seems to be injured and is decent in the field.

As a batsmen he has never lived up to his potential but he's scored 14 first class centuries and a test ton in Cape Town. In a New Zealand context he's easily good enough to bat at 6-7 in tests.

As a bowler, he often appears to be just amble in, bowling at about 125-130kph. If the balls not swinging there's no edge to Franklin's bowling.

Yet on good days I've seen Franklin's speed up around 140-145kph, with good bounce and swing. Would be great to see him backing himself a bit more, running in hard and being more aggressive.

Well played today…. now unleash the beast, Jimmy!

POSTED BY
Sinhaya
on | January 19, 2013, 20:24 GMT

Congratulations New Zealand! I am happy to see you all win indeed. This just shows how useful are the shorter formats for the not so great teams. I hope NZ can win the ODI series. Fault with them is their inability to repeat this heroics consistently. Cricket needs NZ also as it is ideally great to see all 10 test playing nations being at par level. Then we can avoid seeing lopsided contests.

I hope NZ can make use of the upcoming England series at home to rebuild the test team. Anyway, the shorter formats are not South Africa's main strength as shown by their record in ICC events. South Africa's strength is test cricket and no wonder they have not lost an away test series since losing to Sri Lanka 2-0 in 2006.

POSTED BY
gsingh7
on | January 19, 2013, 8:45 GMT

come on nz , india is winning big time and any nz win will give india top spot in world cricket , make it happen kiwis

POSTED BY
LillianThomson
on | January 19, 2013, 9:02 GMT

I suspect that a certain Mr Junaid Khan and Mr Mohammad Irfan might just have had their eyes light up when they saw Smith and de Villiers get out lbw to McClenaghan.

The next five weeks have suddenly got a bit more interesting.

POSTED BY
gsingh7
on | January 19, 2013, 10:43 GMT

where was this nz when u needed him in tests when they were royally thumped by sa, @ lillian/--- it was more interesting seeing nz dismantle like castle of sand in tests , u must have really liked it..

POSTED BY
Rajesh_india_1990
on | January 19, 2013, 11:26 GMT

someone please tell me where is collin ingram and David miler

POSTED BY
ian45
on | January 19, 2013, 11:38 GMT

this track has gone slower and slower, nz wont chase this down, not against steyn and co

POSTED BY
Ashish328
on | January 19, 2013, 11:49 GMT

I Think NZ's should be able to chase down the target of 209 which is not big , But in Front of the likes of south african pace attack, Target seems to be 250!! Anyways no better opportunity than this one, Clinch it up Kiwis !!

POSTED BY
corzaNZ
on | January 19, 2013, 12:08 GMT

Why is Franklin still getting selected!!! Luckiest man in all of world cricket, he has a free ride, and well done Mills, everyone said was to harsh on him... NO, well today showed why his times up he may start well but he gives away far too many runs towards the end, he always has

POSTED BY
Shaggy076
on | January 19, 2013, 12:24 GMT

New Zealand - struggled to make 200 from 20 wickets in the couple of tests, will be interesting to see how they go here.

POSTED BY
Zak-
on | January 19, 2013, 12:30 GMT

@rajesh_india Ingram played today. Miller should be having a look in at some point though, I agree.

209 should be far more than enough with Steyn, Tsotsobe and Kleinveldt bowling though.